BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA
A PROCLAMATION
COLORECTAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
WHEREAS: WHEREAS: WHEREAS: WHEREAS: WHEREAS: THEREFORE:
Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second most common cause of cancer deaths for men and women in the United States. It affects both genders equally; and
Every three minutes someone is diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and every ten minutes someone dies from the disease. The vast majority of colon cancer deaths can be prevented through proper screening and early detection; and
Only 39 percent of colorectal cancer patients have their cancer detected at an early stage. The survival rate of those who do is 90 percent, but only ten percent when diagnosed after the cancer has spread to other organs; and
If the majority of those aged 50 or older were screened regularly for colorectal cancer, the death rate from this disease could plummet by as much as 70 percent; and
Colorectal cancer is preventable, treatable, and beatable in most cases. Observing Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month provides a special opportunity to offer education on the importance of early detection and screening; now
I, NATHAN DEAL, Governor of the State of Georgia, do hereby proclaim March 2014 as COLORECTAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH in Georgia.
In witness thereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the Executive Department to be affixed thi s 26th day of November in the year of our Lord two thousand thirteen.
ATTEST
GOVERNOR